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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Turning Eighteen at WSU

Last weekend, my baby boy had a birthday. He turned eighteen. And I'm not going to lie - I shed a few tears. But mostly, and surprisingly, I felt happiness. Can a mama's heart swell with pride and sadness at the same time? T is such an amazing young man, if I do say so myself. I wrote a letter to him last year, and nothing has changed, except we're one step closer to that next phase of his life.We celebrated by heading for Pullman, home to Washington State University - alma mater of both my husband and myself, and the place where T thinks he will go to college. It was "Future Cougar" weekend, and T and a friend wanted to check out the campus and attend a football game.The Palouse hills, which surround the university, are stunning this time of year.

We spent T's birthday touring the beautiful campus, looking at classrooms and impossibly tiny dorm rooms, and talking with current students and faculty.

T has wanted to be a veterinarian since he was ten, and since WSU has a renowned vet school, we've visited here before. Eight years from now, will we be taking another picture of Dr. T on his graduation day? Cue the tears.

I managed to pull myself together, because it was time for some football!

As the final seconds ticked down on a Cougar victory, I looked over at my son and saw this:

Hat on backwards, the goofy smile that I love....but something else too. Pure happiness and excitement.And in that moment I realized something. He's ready. Ready for that next step, ready to move towards his dreams, ready to spread his wings and and take that first flight from the nest.I may not be ready, but that doesn't matter. We plan to make a few more college visits, but I think this is where he belongs. It fits, and it feels right.Which was the best birthday present of all.

I got chills as you know I am relating to these posts and my three sons. Our baby turned 15 this weekend and the oldest turns 18 in December! Lots of college planing and moments of joys and tears for sure!!! Your boy is precious!!

I love stories about parents being proud of how their kids are turning out - even if it means they are flying the nest! I also thought you might like to know that I nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award if you'd like to participate - the info is on my post here: http://www.crestingthehill.com.au/2015/09/creating-circle-of-love-with-blogger.html#.VgJxgMuqqko

So glad you had nice weather - the photos are all terrific! T is very lucky that he knows what he wants in his future ... I am quite sure you will be posting that 3rd photo! My niece is a student at WSU, and it sounds like she really likes it.Your post raises the same question that I have been asking this week as well. How on earth did we get to this point this quickly?!

Aw, Happy Birthday to T!! What a beautiful post about his readiness and your realization of it. It totally freaks me out. I think my little one being THREE is scary, but I know the big stuff is still down the line.

Happy Birthday T and Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby 25! So much happening in your life right now and I know you are a roller coaster of emotions. You did such a great job raising your boys it's hard, but it gets better. Lean on your friends and family and go for your dreams!

Welcome!

I'm a 40 something freelance writer and mom of two boys, married to my high school sweetheart and living in the Pacific Northwest. I love fashion, reading, being outdoors, and traveling....and I write about it all!